What are the best Christmas shows in and around Vancouver in 2026?

From glittering pantos to heartwarming plays to brilliant dance performances, live theatre is one of the best ways to tap into the spirit of the festive season. This year, the stages of Vancouver and beyond are bursting with a full playbill of tempting options––and now is the time to book your tickets.

 

But what are those options? While researching the Vancouver Christmas Guide for 2026––our 10th anniversary year––we discovered a huge variety of local productions to consider. Check out our Shows page for more. And keep an eye on this story, which we will update as more shows connect with us and announce their upcoming productions.

 

Perfect Pantos

 

A much-loved holiday tradition for many locals, the Cultch’s East Van Panto is back for its 14th edition this year. On stage at their York Theatre venue on Commercial Drive, the 2026 show is Hercules, a laugh-a-minute retelling of the life of the legendary ancient character––complete with clever songs, kid-friendly giggles and satirical belly laughs for adults.

 

For a traditional, British-style alternative––with lots of jokes, songs and colourful costumes––head to South Vancouver’s Metro Theatre. You’ll be booing the baddies and cheering the heroes at their sparkling version of Sleeping Beauty. Last season's Metro panto was a huge hit, so be sure to book ahead for their 2026 show. The Metro is also staging an additional holiday-themed show this year. Running from October 23 to November 14, start you Christmas celebrations early with the all-singing, all-dancing sisters of Hoboken in Nuncrackers.

 

Big Top

 

Perhaps the biggest show to catch in the city during the 2026 festive season is Cirque du Soleil’s Luzia. This spectacular, must-see production––staged in its own tented complex at Concord Pacific Place––delivers a dramatic array of acrobatic thrills plus sumptuous costumes, soaring music and a colourful, stylized version of Mexico. It's just the ticket for warming yourself up as another Vancouver winter rolls in!

 

Merry Musicals

​

Richmond’s Gateway Theatre is well-known for pulling out all the stops for its annual holiday show. And this year is no exception. Book your tickets and hotfoot over here this December for 42nd Street, with toe-tapping songs such as "We’re in the Money" and "Lullaby of Broadway." Speaking of great tunes, Gateway is also staging Songs for a New World in the nearby Minoru Chapel in mid-November–-check it out!

 

Fans of the beloved holiday movie A Christmas Story should also book ahead for the hugely entertaining musical version presented by Theatre in the Country this year. Follow along with Ralphie and his family as the hapless youngster tackles a bunny outfit, a school bully, his lamp-loving father and a Christmas dinner that goes horribly wrong!

 

Perfect for Kids

 

Looking for great shows that are perfect for all the family––youngsters included? Presentation House Theatre––a short walk from Lonsdale Quay Seabus terminal––is staging a swashbuckling performance of The Sword in the Stone to mark its 50th anniversary season this year.

 

And over on Granville Island, Carousel Theatre for Young People is offering a delightful re-telling of the ever-charming Stuart Little story. It’s ideal for theatregoers aged four and over––and since its only one-hour-long, they won't have to sit still for too long!

 

Hidden Gems

 

Sitting still won't be a problem at United Players 2026 production of A Small Miracle. This warm and richly engaging show tells the story of a lonely senior who suddenly discovers that the wooden figures from a Christmas creche appear to have come to life.

 

It’s not the only local show with a great story to tell this year. We’re especially looking forward to PoMo Players production of Yes Virginia, There is a Santa Claus, which retells the real-life story of an eight year-old girl’s 1897 letter to a New York newspaper asking if Santa really exists.

 

Dance Extravaganzas

 

If you’re a fan of glittering ballets, you’ll also find two huge versions of The Nutcracker to consider this year––and both are on stage at Vancouver’s Queen Elizabeth Theatre. Goh Ballet’s ever-magical version is back again, complete with a huge cast and richly colourful sets. And the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s celebrated visiting version is also here this year, presented by Ballet BC.  Why not catch both?!

 

And if you want to spot the next generation of dance stars before they become famous, we also recommend Lamondance's Alice in Winterland. This unique, energetic and festive-flavoured dance version of Lewis Carroll’s famously fantastical story is perfect for audiences of all ages. Book ahead, though, since there are limited chances to catch it this year.

​

For more information on festive events, attractions and shows in the city and beyond, visit the Vancouver Christmas Guide. Written by Lonely Planet travel writer John Lee–-also the co-author of the new book Freecouver: 101 Free Things to do in & Around Vancouver––it’s the best online guide to the area’s 2026 holiday happenings. The site was co-created with Christmas Cat Max, who pens its gift reviews and often appears on its Instagram and Bluesky feeds.